Crosslinking In Polymers: Fundamentals, Applications, And Optimization

Crosslinking in polymers is a transformative chemical modification that links individual macromolecular chains into a permanent three-dimensional network. This process improves thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, enabling polymers to perform reliably in harsh environments. The present study investigates the effect of different crosslinking agents—silane, dicumyl peroxide (DCP), Triallyl Isocyanurate (TAIC), and Trimethylolpropane Monomethacrylate (TMPMA)—on the structural and mechanical behaviour of polyolefin blends. Both computational and laboratory-scale experiments were conducted using locally sourced materials from Indian suppliers to simulate industrially relevant processing conditions. The optimised formulation containing 1.5 wt% DCP and balanced TAIC + TMPMA co-agents achieved a 27 % rise in gel fraction, 24 % improvement in tensile strength, and 60 °C increase in degradation onset temperature compared with the uncrosslinked polymer. The study highlights that controlled crosslinking not only enhances polymer performance but also contributes to the development of durable, energy-efficient materials suited to India’s expanding renewable and infrastructure sectors.